TopSail

contemporary new zealand dining

about Us

your hosts Debbie Luen & Ian Garner

Ian has been in the hospitality industry since mid 1970s and achieved success in many roles; but predominantly where he loves it best, in the kitchen. Ian completed his formal Chef training passing City & Guilds of London to level 706/3 advanced cookery. His culinary journey took him to Australia & Rarotonga and then back to Wellington where he was Chef & co-owner of Petit Lyon, an icon in the NZ dining scene in the 80s & 90s. The new millenium arrives and Ian lends his skills to the Wairarapa Region. For the next 7 years Ian is absorbed in the food, wine & accommodation industry in Martinborough & Greytown

Debbie has a different background however her Grandparents owned and operated a cafe & ice cream parlour in a small seaside destination "Cold Knap" Barry, South Wales for many many years. In 1996 Debbie's career path took her from the Financial Services industry in Cardiff to Financial Services in Wellington NZ spending over 20 years in the corporate world in successful management roles where customer service was always paramount.

We are now in our twelfth year in business at TopSail and are proud to be acknowledged by our guests as Northland's top dining experience

about TopSail

New Zealand is our local. We have many relationships with local suppliers (Northland & Nationally) that allow us to use the freshest & best produce

we take the opportunity of the seasons and change dishes regularly

we actively seek out artisan growers, wine makers, farmers and other producers and create delicious & innovative dishes for you to enjoy

we serve 18 wines by the glass, all yummy & with great food compatibility

our food is cooked to order and we happily cater to specific dietary requirements

we are mindful of the planet’s sustainability in all our decision making & actions. Most noticeable is our ‘undressed’ napkins, washed by us in hot water and sun-dried, no harsh chemicals used. And we no longer use straws

all our seasonal preserves, many featured on this menu, are available for retail sale under our label… the lanky chef’s mise en place

we choose to not participate in national competitions, every night we endeavour to achieve our best performance